Methods and apparatuses for docking a portable electronic device that has a planar like configuration and that operates in multiple orientations

ABSTRACT

A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a portable electronic device capable of operating in multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal. The docking system also includes a docking station configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface with the portable electronic device in any of its multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to docking stations for portableelectronic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates todocking stations for portable electronic devices, which have planar likeconfigurations and that operate in multiple orientations. Even moreparticularly, the present invention relates to improved techniques fortransferring data and/or power between portable electronic devices andthe docking stations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many electronic devices include a docking station for providing aconvenient interface for transferring data between the electronic deviceand other devices, such as a computers, speakers, monitors, andprinters. The docking station may also include an interface forconnecting to a power source so that the electronic device can bepowered or charged (e.g., battery). In most cases, the docking stationsinclude a cavity within which the electronic device is received. Thecavity is configured to have a size and shape that coincides with thesize and shape of the electronic device so that the electronic devicerests snuggly within the cavity. Furthermore, the cavity typicallyincludes a connector therein for operatively engaging a port of theelectronic device when the electronic device is positioned within thecavity. The connector is typically coupled to the external systems(e.g., computer, power source) through a cable so that communicationsbetween the electronic device and the external systems can take place.

Recently, inductive charging units have been implemented in electronicdevices, the most famous of which is the Sonic Care toothbrushmanufactured by Philips of the Netherlands. The toothbrush and thecharging dock form the two part transformer with the primary inductioncoil contained in the dock and the secondary induction coil contained inthe toothbrush. When the end of toothbrush is placed in a cavity of thedock, the complete transform is created and the induced current in thesecondary coil charges the battery.

Inductive charging pads have also been developed. The pad works similarto the toothbrush, however, the pad typically includes multipletransformers so that the electronic device can be placed in anyorientation on the pad. When the electronic device is placed on the pad,one of the transformers of the pad induces current in the transformer ofthe electronic device, and this current charges the battery of theelectronic device. Unfortunately, the efficiency of the transform is notvery good since the transformer located on the electronic devicetypically does not align with the transformers of the pad, i.e., doesnot create closed magnetic loop and therefore there is no directinductive coupling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a docking system. Thedocking system includes a portable electronic device capable ofoperating in multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal.The docking system also includes a docking station configured tomechanically accept and operatively interface with the portableelectronic device in any of its multiple orientations including verticaland horizontal.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking system. Thedocking system includes a portable electronic device having a front sideand substantially planar back side opposite the front side and includinga full screen display at the front side and a power transfer mechanismat the substantially planar back side. The full screen display isconfigured to display content in an upright manner whether the portableelectronic device is used horizontally or vertically. The docking systemalso includes a docking platform having a substantially planar frontside configured to support the substantially planar backside of theportable electronic device thereon, and including a power transfermechanism at the substantially planar front side. The power transfermechanism of the portable electronic device and power transfer mechanismof the docking platform are aligned along an axis and juxtaposedrelative to one another when the portable electronic device is supportedby the docking platform. The power transfer mechanism of the portableelectronic device and the power transfer mechanism of the dockingplatform are rotationally symmetric about the axis such that theymaintain communication with one another whether the portable electronicdevice is placed horizontally or vertically on the docking platform.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking station. Thedocking station includes a platform that allows a substantially planarportable electronic device to be docked in multiple orientations aboutan axis. The docking station also includes an interface mechanismlocated at the platform and configured to interface with a correspondinginterface mechanism of the portable electronic device when the portableelectronic device is docked to the platform in any of its multipleorientations.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking station. Thedocking station includes a substantially planar platform for receiving asubstantially planar portable electronic device thereon. Thesubstantially planar platform receives the portable electronic device ina plurality of orientations about an axis. The plurality of orientationsincludes at least a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation.The docking station also includes an interface mechanism disposed in thesubstantially planar platform and having a center located at the axis.The interface mechanism communicates with a corresponding interfacemechanism disposed in the substantially planar portable electronicdevice when the substantially planar portable electronic device isplaced on the substantially planar platform in any of the plurality oforientations. The docking station further includes one or more alignmentfeatures for aligning a center of the corresponding interface mechanismof the substantially planar portable electronic device with the axiswhen the substantially planar portable electronic device is placed onthe substantially planar platform in any of the plurality oforientations.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a portable electronicdevice configured to operate in multiple orientations includinghorizontal and vertical orientations. The portable electronic devicedisplays content in an upright manner in both the horizontal andvertical orientations. The portable electronic device has asubstantially planar back side for placement on a planar front side of adocking platform in each of its multiple orientations. The portableelectronic device includes an interface mechanism located at the backside of the portable electronic device and configured to interface witha corresponding interface mechanism located at the front side of thedocking platform when the portable electronic device is placed on thedocking platform in any of its multiple orientations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a docking system, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective diagram of a docking system including ahorizontally positioned portable electronic device, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a perspective diagram of a docking system including avertically positioned portable electronic device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views of a docking system, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a front view of a docking station, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a front view of a docking station with a horizontallypositioned portable electronic device positioned thereon, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a front view of a docking station with a verticallypositioned portable electronic device positioned thereon, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a front view of a docking station, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a front view of a docking station with a horizontallypositioned portable electronic device positioned thereon, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a front view of a docking station with a verticallypositioned portable electronic device positioned thereon, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a docking station, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a docking system, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a docking system, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view, in cross section, of an interfacesystem that uses inductive coils, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an interface system that uses electricalcontacts, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of an interface system that uses electricalcontacts, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams of another style of docking system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective diagram of another docking system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally pertains to a docking system that includes adocking station and a planar like portable electronic device, which canbe used in multiple orientations (e.g., vertical and horizontal). By wayof example, the portable electronic device may include a display thatdisplays content in an upright manner regardless of the orientation ofthe portable electronic device. One aspect of the invention relates totechniques for mechanically supporting and aligning the portableelectronic device with the docking station. Another aspect of theinvention relates to techniques for efficiently transferring data and/orpower between portable electronic device and the docking station. In oneembodiment, the mechanisms used to transfer data and/or power arerotationally symmetric so as to support the various orientations of theportable electronic device when the portable electronic device is dockedto the docking station.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-13. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a docking system 10, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. The docking system 10includes a docking station 12 and a portable electronic device 14 thatis capable of docking into the docking station 14.

The docking station 12 provides a platform for quickly and easilycoupling the portable electronic device 14 to another system or deviceas for example a computer, a power source, or peripheral devices such asa monitor, a keyboard, speakers, etc. A primary advantage of using adocking station 12 is that the user does not have to separately connecteach of these various devices with the portable electronic device.

The portable electronic device 14 may be any electronic device that iseasily transported by a user. By way of example, the portable electronicdevice 14 may generally correspond to computing devices such as laptops,tablet PC's, PDA's, media players (e.g., music players, video players orgame players), cell phones, smart phones, GPS device, electronic books,and/or the like.

In one particular embodiment, the portable electronic device 14 is ahandheld computing device. As used herein, the term “hand held” meansthat the electronic device is typically operated while being held in ahand. The hand held electronic device may be directed at one-handedoperation and/or two-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a singlehand is used to both support the device as well as to perform operationswith the user interface during use. Cellular phones, PDAs, cameras,media players, and GPS units are examples of portable devices that canbe operated solely with one hand. In the case of a cell phone, forexample, a user may grasp the phone in one hand between the fingers andthe palm and use the thumb to make entries using keys, buttons or a joypad. In two-handed operation, one hand is used to support the devicewhile the other hand performs operations with a user interface duringuse or alternatively both hands support the device as well as performoperations during use. Tablet PCs, electronic books and game players areexamples of portable device that are typically operated with two hands.In the case of the tablet PC, for example, the user may grasp the tabletwith one hand and make entries in the tablet using the other hand, oralternatively grasp the tablet in both hands and make entries usingeither or both hands while holding the tablet PC.

More particularly, the portable electronic device 14 may correspond tothose portable electronic devices that are embodied in a picture frameformat. That is, those devices that are substantially planar andconfigured with a full screen display or a near full screen displaywhere the display fills up substantially the entire front surface of theportable electronic device 14. It may extend edge to edge or it may fitwithin a small bezel of the housing at the edge of the device. The fullscreen display may have a variety of different configurations dependingon the overall footprint of the device. If the device 14 is wide, thefull screen display may have a traditional aspect ratio of about 4:3. Ifthe device 14 is elongated, the full screen display may have an aspectratio that is more panoramic such as 16:9. Examples of picture frameelectronic devices are tablet PCs, and electronic books. It should benoted, however, that almost any of the devices mentioned above may beconfigured in this manner. Examples of full screen handheld devices canbe found in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/658,777, Ser. No. 11/057,050and Ser. No. 11/115,539, all of which are herein incorporated byreference.

Referring to the docking station 12, the docking station 12 may be astand alone unit that communicates with other devices or systems throughwired or wireless connections, or alternatively, the docking station 12may be integrated directly into the other devices or systems. In thecase of a stand alone unit, the docking station 12 may includeconnectors, jacks, ports or transceivers that provide externalconnections to the other devices or systems. In the case of anintegrated docking station, the docking station 12 may be hard wireddirectly to the components of the host device. In either case, thedocking station 12 includes a holding system for receiving andsupporting the portable electronic device 14 when the portableelectronic device 14 is desired to be docked. The holding system may beconfigured to support the portable electronic device 14 in an upright(e.g., vertical), laid down (e.g., horizontal) or tilted position (e.g.,angled) while maintaining/allowing access to the U.I. portion (e.g., atleast the display) of the portable electronic device 14.

In one particular embodiment, the docking station 12 is configured likean easel. In this embodiment, the docking station 12 may include avertical or angled platform on which the backside of the portableelectronic device 14 rests when the portable electronic 14 is docked inthe docking station 12. This is arrangement is particularly useful withportable electronic devices with a planar like configuration such asthose with a full screen display. The docking station 12 may furtherinclude a fixed or adjustable leg or arm for supporting the platform andthus the portable electronic device 14 in one or more positions.

Alternatively, the docking station 12 may include a cavity or basin forreceiving an edge or end of the portable electronic device 14. Examplesof cavity style docking stations can be found in U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 10/423,490, 11/125,883, both of which are herein incorporatedby reference.

In order to operatively connect the portable electronic device 14 withthe docking station 12, the docking station 12 may include an interfacesystem 16 that interfaces with a corresponding interface system 18 onthe portable electronic device 14 when the portable electronic device 14is docked in the docking station 12. The interface systems 16 and 18 maybe widely varied and may include various mechanisms for transferringdata and/or power between the portable electronic device 14 and thedocking station 12. For example, each of the systems 16 and 18 mayinclude a power transfer mechanism 20 and a data transfer mechanism 22.When docked, the data transfer mechanisms 22 transfer data between thedocking station 12 and the portable electronic device 14. Data cantherefore be uploaded or downloaded to and from the portable electronicdevice 14. Furthermore, the power transfer mechanisms 20 transfer powerfrom the docking station 12 to the portable electronic device 14. Thepower transfer can be used to power and/or charge the portableelectronic device 14 when it is docked. In some cases, the data andpower mechanisms are separate components while in other cases the dataand power mechanisms are integrated together.

The interfacing systems 16 and 18, including both the data mechanisms 22and the power mechanisms 20, can be embodied in various forms andcombinations including contact based and non-contact based platforms. Byway of example, contact based platforms may include electrical contactsthat are capable of transferring data and/or power when the electricalcontacts are electrically engaged or in contact with one another.Non-contact based platforms, on the other hand, may include inductivedevices, optical devices, or wireless devices that are capable oftransferring data and/or power without mating contact.

When electrical contacts are used, the electrical contacts may beimplemented in connectors and/or they may be surface or flush mounted onthe housings of the portable electronic device and the docking station.In either case, each device includes a set of corresponding contactsthat when in contact allow data and power to be transferredtherethrough. With regards to connectors, the electrical contacts may betabs that are positioned side by side, or they may be arranged as pins.With regards to flush mounts, the electrical contacts may be flat planarcontacts that lie flush on the surface of the housing. In some cases,the flush mounts may be spring-loaded or utilize a flexure in order toensure mating contact with each other when the portable electronicdevice is docked. In all of these arrangements, the electrical contactsare separately wired to a control board (e.g., PCB) located inside therespective devices. The control board routes the signals to theirdesired location within the devices. By way of example, the electricalcontacts may be directly or indirectly (e.g., via wires) soldered to thecontrol board. Alternatively a flex circuit may be used.

With regards to non-contact platforms, inductive coils can be placed ineach device to transfer both power and data. The inductive coils aretypically hidden from view behind the housings of each device andtherefore they are more aesthetically pleasing than electrical contacts,which need to be exposed in order to operate effectively. Furthermore,inductively based systems are more robust than electrical contacts. Forexample, there are no contacts to wear out and/or oxidize.

Wireless devices may include receivers, transmitters, and transceiversof various types including RF, Bluetooth, 802.11 UWB (ultra wide band),and the like. Like inductive devices, wireless devices are typicallyhidden from view and therefore are more aesthetically pleasing androbust (e.g., fully enclosed with no lines, or breaks in the surface ofthe housings). Optical devices may include a light source and lightdetector for data, and a light source and photovoltaics device forpower. Each of these devices are typically positioned behind atranslucent region of the housing so as to allow proper communicationtherebetween. With regards to data, an IR link may be used.

The docking system 10 may use any combination of contact and non-contactplatforms in order to serve the needs of the portable electronic device14.

In one particular embodiment, both power and data are transferred withnon contact based platforms, and more particularly non contact basedplatforms that are enclosed such as inductive based systems and wirelesssystems. In inductive based systems, the docking station 12 includes theprimary coil and the portable electronic device 14 includes thesecondary coil. In wireless systems, both the docking station 12 and theportable electronic device 14 include their own transceiver that bothtransmits and receives data. In one implementation, both data and powerare transferred via the inductance-based system. For example, lowfrequency electrical current may be passed from the primary coil to thesecondary coil in order to power or charge the portable electronicdevice and high frequency current may be passed from one coil to theother in order to send/receive data. The data and power inductors may beseparate, integral or they may be superimposed on one another. Inanother implementation, power is transferred via an inductance-basedsystem and data is transferred via a wireless system. The combination ofinductance and wireless provides an efficient way to transfer both powerand data while keeping both the docking station and portable electronicdevice fully enclosed.

In some cases, the interfacing systems need to be properly aligned inorder to ensure proper connections and therefore efficient power anddata transfer between the docking station and the portable electronicdevice. This is especially important for electrical contacts, inductivetransformers and optical devices, and less important for wirelessdevices. Accordingly, the docking station 12 may include one or morealignment features 24 that help register or align the portableelectronic device 14 with the docking station 12 and further to helpalign the corresponding interface mechanisms with one another. Thealignment features 24 may be fixed or adjustable, and may include suchelements as pins, shelves, guides, reference surfaces, keyways, and thelike. The alignment features 24 may also provide visual alignment cluesor fiduciaries for helping the user position the portable electronicdevice 14 on the docking station 12.

Although not shown, in some cases, the docking system 10 may furtherinclude retention mechanisms 25 for securing the portable electronicdevice 14 to the docking station 12. By way of example, the retentionmechanisms 25 may include one or more magnets, snaps, latches, catches,friction couplings, detents, tabs, slots, and/or the like. In somecases, the docking system 10 may even include a lock so that portableelectronic device 14 is only removable if the user has the proper key,combination or access code.

In accordance with one embodiment, the portable electronic device 14 iscapable of operating in multiple orientations about an axis. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2A, the portable electronic device 14, whichincludes a full screen display 15, can operate in a substantiallyhorizontal orientation (0/360 and/or 180), or as shown in FIG. 2B, theportable electronic device 14 can operate in a substantially verticalorientation (90 and/or 270).

In one embodiment, although used in different orientations the contentbeing displayed by the display 15 of the portable electronic device 14follows the user rather than the orientation of the portable electronicdevice 14 so that the content is displayed in its correct positionrelative to the user (e.g., upright). That is, the portable electronicdevice 14 is capable of displaying content on its display 15 in anupright position no matter what orientation the portable electronicdevice 14 is in as for example when the device 14 is used horizontallyor vertically so that the user can easily view the content. Furthermore,the portable electronic device 14 may be capable of switching theviewing mode on the display 15, including landscape and portrait modes,based on the orientation of the portable electronic device 14. Forexample, landscape mode may be used when the device 14 is orientedhorizontally, and portrait mode may be used when the device 14 isoriented vertically. Picture frame devices are good examples of devicesthat can be used in this manner. It should be noted however that this isnot a requirement and that any device with a display can be configuredto operate in this manner.

The function of adjusting the orientation and mode of the content beingdisplayed may be performed manually as part of a user selection orautomatically as the user reorients the device.

When performed manually, the user may select what orientation and modeto display the content based on how the user is going to orient thedevice. For example, if the user is going to use the devicehorizontally, the user may place the viewing orientation in horizontaland landscape modes and if the user is going to use the devicevertically, the user may place the viewing orientation in vertical andportrait modes.

When performed automatically, the device itself may determine whatorientation to display the content based on the orientation of thedevice. By way of example, the portable electronic device may include anaccelerometer that helps determine the orientation of the device. Theaccelerometer senses the orientation of the device, and informs thecontrol system of the portable electronic device 14 so that thedisplayed content can be kept upright and in the right viewing mode. Thecontrol system can make the adjustments over a wide range including forexample device orientations anywhere between 0 and 360 degrees, or asubset such as for example device orientations of 0/360, 90, 180 and270, or further a subset of just 0 and 90 degrees.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, becausethe device 14 can be used in multiple orientations, the docking station12 may be configured to support the multiple orientations of theportable computing device 14. That is, the portable electronic device 14can be positioned on the docking station 12 in any of its orientationswhile still allowing data and/or power communications to existtherebetween. In some cases, the docking station 12 may provide 360degree flexibility to the portable electronic device 14. In other cases,the docking station 12 may provide only a subset of 360 degreeflexibility such as for example at 0/360, 90, 180, and 270 degrees.Furthermore, the docking station 12 may provide a tighter subset as forexample 0/360 and 90 degrees. The positions allotted by the dockingstation 12 are typically based on the various orientations of theportable electronic device 14. For example, if the portable computingdevice 14 only supports 0, 90, 180 and 270, then the same can be said ofthe docking station 12.

In the illustrated embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the dockingstation 12 is embodied as an easel. The docking station 12 thereforeincludes a platform 26 for receiving the backside 28 of the portableelectronic device 14. In the embodiment shown, the platform 26 includesa substantially flat planar surface that mates with a substantially flatplanar backside 28 of the portable electronic device 14. As such, theportable electronic device 14 can rest on or lie on the platform 26 inany of its orientations including the vertical and/or horizontalorientations. The docking station 12 may also include a leg 30 forsupporting the platform 26 and thus the portable electronic device 14.In some cases, the platform 26 is fixed to the leg 30 and in other casesthe platform 26 can pivot relative to the leg 30 in order to adjust theangle of tilt. The docking station 12 may further include a retentionlip 32 that supports the portable electronic device 14 in an uprightposition adjacent the platform 26, i.e., keeps the back side of theportable electronic device flush with the platform as well as preventsthe portable electronic device 14 from slipping off the platform 26.Although a leg and retention lip is shown, it should be appreciated thatthese are not limitations and that other support mechanisms may be used.

In order to allow communications between the docked portable electronicdevice 14 and the docking station 12, the docking system of FIGS. 2A and2B, further include one or more dock side interface mechanisms 16 andone or more device side interface mechanisms 18 that operatively couplewith one another to provide communications between the portablecomputing device 14 and the docking station 12. As mentioned in FIG. 1,the interface mechanisms may be configured to transfer data and/or powerbetween the portable computing device 14 and the docking station 12.

In accordance with one embodiment, the interface mechanisms 16 and 18are configured to communicate with one another in whatever position theportable electronic device 14 is oriented in relative to the dockingstation 12. That is, the orientation of the portable computing device 14is irrelevant to ensure communications between the portable computingdevice 14 and the docking station 12. The interface mechanisms 16 and 18operatively couple with one another when the portable computing device14 rests on the platform regardless of the orientation of the portablecomputing device 14 thereon. For example, the interface mechanisms 16and 18 are capable of interfacing with one another if the device 14 isplaced at various orientations between 0 and 360 degrees, moreparticularly at 0/360, 90, 180 or 270 degrees, and even moreparticularly at 0/360 and 90 degrees relative to the platform 26. Inessence, the interface mechanisms are rotationally symmetric so thatregardless of the orientation of the portable electronic device relativeto the docking station the coupling therebetween still works correctly.

Wireless devices can easily support such an arrangement. For example,the docking station 12 may include a transceiver in its platform 26 orleg 30, and the portable electronic device 14 may include a transceiverinside its housing. The transceivers can be placed anywhere relative toeach other and still communicate via a wireless signal.

With regards to non wireless devices, including contact or non contactbased, the dock side mechanisms 16 and the device side mechanisms 18 arepositioned in a way that they are juxtaposed and aligned in each of thevarious orientations supported by the portable computing device 14thereby ensuring an efficient connection between the docking station andthe portable electronic device 14.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the dockside interface mechanisms 16 arelocated along the planar reference surface of platform 26 and the deviceside interface mechanisms 18 are located along the planar surface of thebackside 28 of the portable computing device 14 thereby allowing them tobe adjacent and flush with one another when the portable electronicdevice 14 is docked to the docking station 12. Furthermore, the dockside mechanisms 16 and device side mechanisms 18 are positioned withintheir respective planes (e.g., X and Y) so that the axis of each of theinterface mechanisms 16 and 18 line up when the portable electronicdevice 14 is placed on the docking station 12 in each of itsorientations including for example horizontal (FIG. 3A) and vertical(FIG. 3B). That is, the device side mechanism 18 aligns with the dockside mechanism 16 in each of the allowed orientations of the portableelectronic device including for example the vertical and horizontalorientations. In essence, the interface mechanisms 16 and 18 areconfigured to be rotationally symmetric about the axis 36 so that theinterface elements (e.g., contacts) of the device 14 are in their properposition relative to the interface elements (e.g., correspondingcontacts) of the dock 12 in each of the orientations supported by theportable electronic device 14.

Alternatively, multiple interface mechanisms may be used to ensurecoupling between the docking station and the portable electronic device.For example, there may be two dock side interface mechanisms, one forhorizontal orientations and one for vertical orientations.

In one embodiment, the mechanical design of the docking station 12 issuch that if the portable electronic device 14 is inserted horizontallyor vertically or some angle therebetween, the interface mechanisms stillline up. For example, the docking station 12 may include X and/or Yregistration features that help guide and align the portable electronicdevice in X and Y while allowing rotations about Z. In this embodiment,the platform defines the X/Y plane. Although X, Y and Z coordinates areused, it should be appreciated that this is done for ease of discussionand therefore the invention is not limited to X, Y Z coordinates.

The registration features may for example be shelves or pins that abutthe edge of the portable electronic device 14 thereby registering theportable electronic device 14 relative to the docking station 12regardless of the orientation of the portable electronic device 14(e.g., equal X and Y). In one implementation, the registration featuresonly support one orientation of horizontal and vertical as for example 0and 90 degree orientations (see for example FIGS. 4A-C). In anotherimplementation, the registration features support multiple orientationsof horizontal and vertical as for example 0, 90, 180 and 270 (see forexample FIGS. 5A-C and 6). In yet another implementation, theregistration features support all angles through 360 degrees (see forexample FIG. 7).

Referring to FIGS. 4A-C, in one embodiment, the mechanical design of thedocking station 12 is configured to only support one orientation ofhorizontal and vertical as for example 0 and 90 degree orientations. Asshown, the docking station 12 includes an X alignment surface 40 and a Yalignment surface 42, which abut against the edges of the portableelectronic device 14 when the portable electronic device 14 is placedeither horizontally or vertically, and more particularly 0 and 90degrees, in the docking station 12. The alignment surfaces 40 and 42 areconfigured to align the axis 19 of the device side interface mechanism18 with the axis 17 of the of the dock side interface mechanism 16 inthe X and Y directions for both 0 and 90 degree orientations.

The X alignment surface 40 is placed along the X axis of the platform 26at a distance D from the axis 17 of the dock side interface mechanism16, and the Y alignment surface 42 is placed along the Y axis of theplatform 26 at the same distance D from the axis of the dock sideinterface mechanism 16.

The portable electronic device 14 includes four edges, a first edge 44,a second edge 46, a third edge 48 and a fourth edge 50. The device sidemechanism 18 is placed the same distance D from the first, second andthird edges 44, 46, and 48 of the portable electronic device 14.

When the device 14 is placed at horizontal 0 degrees in the dockingstation 12 (as shown in FIG. 4B), the first edge 44 abuts against the Xalignment surface 40 and the third edge 48 abuts against the Y alignmentsurface 42. Because the interface mechanisms 16 and 18 are located thesame distance in the X and Y locations from the abutted edges, theinterface mechanisms 16 and 18 are aligned when positioned in thismanner.

When the device is placed at vertical 90 degrees in the docking station12 (as shown in FIG. 4C), the first edge 44 abuts the Y alignmentsurface 42 and the second edge 46 abuts the X alignment surface 40.Because the interface mechanisms 16 and 18 are located the same distancein the X and Y locations from the abutted edges, the interfacemechanisms 16 and 18 are aligned when positioned in this manner.

Referring to FIG. 5, in another embodiment, the mechanical design of thedocking station 12 is configured to support multiple orientations ofhorizontal and vertical as for example 0, 90, 180 and 270 degreeorientations. As shown, the docking station 12 includes first and secondalignment systems 60 and 62. The first alignment system 60 is configuredto align the portable electronic device 14 in horizontal orientationsincluding 0 and 180 degrees and the second alignment system 62 isconfigured to align the portable electronic device 14 in verticalorientations including 90 and 270 degrees. Each alignment system 60 or62 includes spaced apart X alignment surfaces 64 and a Y alignmentsurface 66. The spacing of the X alignment surfaces 64A of the firstalignment system 60 coincide with the length L of the portableelectronic device 14 (horizontal). The spacing of the X alignmentsurfaces 64B of the second alignment system 62 coincide with the width Wof the portable electronic device 14 (vertical).

The X and Y alignment surfaces may for example protrude from theplatform 26 so as to form recesses within which the portable electronicdevice 14 is placed, i.e., constrains the portable electronic device inX and Y. In one implementation, the depth of the recess coincides withthe thickness of the portable electronic device so that the face of thealignment surfaces are flush with the front surface of the portableelectronic device 14.

The X alignment surfaces 64A of the first alignment system 60 are placedat a distance D1 from the center 17 of the dock side interface mechanism16, and the Y alignment surface 66A of the first alignment system 60 isplaced at a distance D2 from the center 17 of the dock side interfacemechanism 16. Furthermore, the X alignment surfaces 64B of the secondalignment system 62 are placed at the distance D2 from the center 17 ofthe dock side interface mechanism 16, and the Y alignment surface 66B ofthe second alignment system 62 is placed at the distance D1 from thecenter 17 of the dock side interface mechanism 16.

Moreover, the center 19 of the interface mechanism 18 of the portableelectronic device 14 is positioned in the center of the portableelectronic device 14. The portable electronic device 14 includes fouredges, a first edge 44, a second edge 46, a third edge 48 and a fourthedge 50. The device side mechanism 18 is placed a distance D1 from thefirst and fourth edges 44 and 50 of the portable electronic device 14,and a distance D2 from the second and third edges 46 and 48 of theportable electronic device 14.

When the device 14 is placed at horizontal 0 or 180 degrees in thedocking station 12 (as shown in FIG. 5B), the first and fourth edges 44and 50 abut against the X alignment surfaces 64A of the first alignmentsystem 60, and the second or third edges 46 or 48 abut against or reston the Y alignment surface 66A of the first alignment system 60. Edge 46rests on the Y alignment surface 66A at the 0 degree orientation, andedge 48 rests on the Y alignment surface 66A at the 180 degreeorientation. Because the interface mechanisms 16 and 18 are located thesame distances in the X and Y locations from the abutted edges, theinterface mechanisms 16 and 18 are aligned when positioned in thismanner.

When the device 14 is placed at horizontal 90 or 270 degrees in thedocking station 12 (as shown in FIG. 5C), the second and third edges 46and 48 abut against the X alignment surfaces 64B of the second alignmentsystem 62, and the first or fourth edges 44 and 50 abut against or reston the Y alignment surface 66B of the second alignment system 62. Edge44 rests on the Y alignment surface 66B at the 90 degree orientation,and edge 50 rests on the Y alignment surface 66B at the 270 degreeorientation. Because the interface mechanisms 16 and 18 are located thesame distances in the X and Y locations from the abutted edges, theinterface mechanisms 16 and 18 are aligned when positioned in thismanner.

FIG. 6 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 except that posts orguides 70 are used rather than elongated surfaces. As shown, the dockingstation 12 includes a first set of posts 70A for aligning the portableelectronic device 14 in the X direction when the portable electronicdevice 14 is placed horizontally into the docking station 12. The firstset of posts 70A are analogous to the X alignment surfaces of the firstalignment system in FIG. 5.

The docking station 12 also includes a second set of posts 70B foraligning the portable electronic device 14 in the X direction when theportable electronic device 14 is placed vertically into the dockingstation 12. The second set of posts 70B also align the portableelectronic device 14 in the Y direction when the portable electronicdevice 14 is placed horizontally into the docking station 12. The secondset of posts 70B are analogous to the X alignment surfaces of the secondalignment system and the Y alignment surface of the first alignmentsystem of FIG. 5.

The docking station 12 further includes a third set of posts 70C foraligning the portable electronic device 14 in the Y direction when theportable electronic device 14 is placed vertically into the dockingstation 12. The third set of posts 70C are analogous to the Y alignmentsurface of the second alignment system of FIG. 5.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to onlyalignment surfaces or only posts and that a combination of posts andalignment surfaces may be also be used.

Referring to FIG. 7, in another embodiment, the mechanical design of thedocking station 12 is configured to support all orientations of theportable electronic device 14 through 360 degrees. As shown, theplatform 26 of the docking station 12 includes a circular recess 80 andthe portable electronic device 14 includes a circular protrusion 82 thatis inserted into the circular recess 80. The circular protrusion 82 andthe circular recess 80 have similar shapes, sizes so that they matinglyengage, i.e., the outer perimeter of the circular protrusion 82 isplaced within and against the inner perimeter of the circular recess 80.When engaged, the portable electronic device 14 is secured within theX/Y plane (platform) and is able to rotate through 360 degrees about thecenter of the circular protrusion/recess 80/82. That is, the edge of theprotrusion 82 abuts the edge of the recess 80 thereby preventing linearmotion in the X/Y plane. Further, because the elements are circular, theprotrusion 82 is allowed to rotate within the recess 80.

In the illustrated embodiment, the interface mechanism 16 of the dockingstation is centered at the center of the circular recess 80, and theinterface mechanism 18 of the portable electronic device 14 centered atthe center of the circular protrusion 82. The recess/protrusioninterface 80/82 is therefore configured to align the axis of the dockside interface mechanism 16 with the axis of the device side interfacemechanism 18 while allowing the portable electronic device 14 fullrotation about the axis, i.e., the portable electronic device can berotated through 360 degrees without effecting the alignment. In mostcases, the depth of the recess 80 is configured similarly to the depthof the protrusion 82 so that the front surface 84 of the recess 80 liesflush with the back surface 86 of the protrusion 82 when the protrusion82 is inserted within the recess 80. This may also cause the backside ofthe portable electronic device 14 to lie flush with the remainder of theplatform 26.

In some cases, the platform 26 may further include a slot 88 that guidesthe circular protrusion 82 to the circular recess 80. The slot 88typically has a width that coincides with the diameter of the protrusion82. The slot 88 may follow various paths within the X/Y plane. In theillustrated embodiment, the slot 88 extends from the top of the platform26 to the circular recess 80 in the Y direction. The protrusion 82therefore rests on the bottom surface of the circular recess 80 and isprevented from venturing upwards due to its weight (gravity). The slot88 and recess 80 may further include a channel 90 along their edges forreceiving a flange 92 of the circular protrusion 82. When engaged, theflange/channel allows the portable electronic device 14 to be slidablyreceived and retained to the platform 26. In most cases, theflange/channel are dimensioned to place the backside of the circularprotrusion 82 substantially flush with the front surface of the circularrecess 80.

Although the recess and protrusion are described as circular, it shouldbe appreciated that this is not a limitation. In some cases, the recessand protrusion may be square. This particular implementation is capableof supporting 0, 90, 180 and 270 orientations.

Referring to FIG. 8, one embodiment of the docking system 10 will bedescribed in greater detail. In this embodiment, the interface systemincludes opposing power transfer mechanisms 20 that are configured to bealigned along their center axis and substantially juxtaposed relative toone another when the portable electronic device 14 is placed in anyorientation within the docking station 12. This can be accomplishedusing any of the docking systems described above. The opposing powertransfer mechanisms 20 may be embodied as electrical contacts,inductors, and/or the like.

The power transfer mechanism 20B of the portable electronic device 14 isoperatively coupled to a power management circuit 100 that controls thepower operations of the portable electronic device 14. The powermanagement circuit 100 may for example control power to variousmechanisms within the portable electronic device 14. The power may beused to operate the portable electronic device 14 or alternatively torecharge a battery 102 of the portable electronic device 14. By way ofexample, the power management circuit 100 may be a dedicated powercontroller or alternatively may be part of a main processor of theportable electronic device.

If AC power is delivered through power transfer mechanisms 20, theportable electronic device 14 may further include a rectifier 104 thatconverts the AC power to DC power and/or adjusts DC power to anacceptable level.

The power transfer mechanism 20A of the docking station 12 isoperatively coupled to a power management circuit 106 that controlspower transmissions through the docking station 12. The power managementcircuit 106 is operatively coupled to a power source 108. This may forexample be accomplished through a power cable 110 that connects to apower outlet 112 via a power plug 114.

If the docking station 12 is configured to transmit DC power to theelectronic device 14, the docking station 12 may further include atransformer/rectifier 116 for converting AC power to DC power, which canbe used directly by the portable electronic device 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the opposing power transfer mechanisms 20are inductively based and therefore the docking station 12 includes aprimary inductive coil 120 and the portable electronic device 14includes a secondary inductive coil 122 that cooperate to form a twopart transformer. When the portable electronic device 14 is docked, thecomplete transformer is created, i.e., the inductors 120 and 122 arealigned along their axes and placed side by side without makingelectrical or mechanical contact. During power transfer, current is madeto flow through the primary inductive coil 120. The resulting magneticflux induces an alternating current through the magnetic field andacross the secondary inductive coil 122 thereby completing the circuit.The AC power received by the secondary inductive coil 122 is convertedto DC power for operating the portable electronic device 14 and/or forstorage in the battery 102.

In one embodiment, the inductive coils 120 and 122 are rotationallysymmetric about the axis so as to support the various orientations ofthe portable electronic device 14 relative to the docking station 12. Inthe case of 360 degree flexibility, the inductive coils may be circular.In the case of 0, 90, 180, 270, the inductive coils may be circularsquare, octagon, or the like.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view, in cross section, of an inductivelybased charging system 150, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The charging system 150 may for example be used inany of the embodiments described above. In this embodiment, the dockingstation 12 includes a first inductive coil 152, and the portableelectronic device 14 includes a second inductive coil 154. The firstinductive coil 152 is disposed inside the platform 26 behind the frontwall 156 of the platform 26. The second inductive coil 154 is disposedinside the housing 158 of the portable electronic device 14 behind theback wall 160 of the portable electronic device 14. When the portableelectronic device 14 is docked with the docking station 12, as forexample when the back wall 160 of the device 14 is placed against thefront wall 156 of the platform 26, the first and second coils 152 and154 are juxtaposed and aligned along an axis of polar symmetry 162. Thisensures an efficient coupling between the two coils 152 and 154. Theinductive coils 152 and 154 may be aligned using any of the embodimentsmentioned above.

To elaborate, the coils 152 and 154 generally include a permeable core170 and wire windings 172 wrapped around the permeable core 170. Thecapacity of the inductor 152/154 is controlled by various factorsincluding, the number of coils, the material the coils are wrappedaround (the core), the cross sectional area of the coil. In smallhandheld computing device such as cell phones, PDAs or media players,the inductive coils are generally configured to transmit between about3-5 Watts of power. In larger handheld computing devices such as TabletPCs, the inductive coils are generally configured to transmit betweenabout 15-25 Watts of power. One advantage of planar like electronicdevices is that larger inductive coils may be used, i.e., spread acrossthe planar surface.

In one embodiment, the inductive coils 152 and 154 are circular andfurther toroidal or doughnut shaped in order to ensure rotationalsymmetry about the axis 162 when the portable electronic device 14 isplaced on the docking station 12.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a charging system 180 that uses electricalcontacts, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.The system 180 provides 360 degree flexibility and may be used in any ofthe docking systems described above. As shown, the docking station 12includes a center contact 182 and a spaced apart concentric outercontact 184. The center contact 182 and outer contact 184 are centeredalong the mating axis of the portable electronic device 14 and thedocking station 12. The portable electronic device 14 may include amatching set of center and outer contacts, or some variation of thecenter and outer contacts. For example, as shown, the portableelectronic device 14 includes a center contact 186 that is centeredalong the mating axis of the portable electronic device and the dockingstation, and a point based or segmented outer contact 188 that islocated at the same radius as the concentric outer contact 184. A pointbased contact uses less space and is therefore more aestheticallypleasing.

When the portable electronic device 14 is docked with the dockingstation 12, as for example when the back side of the device 14 is placedagainst the platform 26, the center contacts 182 and 186 engage oneanother and the outer contacts 184 and 188 engage one another therebyallowing electrical signals (data and/or power) to pass between thedocking station 12 and the portable electronic device 14. In the case ofpower contacts, for example, the outer contacts 184, 188 may deliver thedriving current to the battery or power manager of the portableelectronic device 14 and the center contacts 182/186 may deliver thereturn current (e.g., ground) to the docking station 12 (or vice versa).

Alternatively, the configuration described above can be reversed, i.e.,the concentric outer contact is placed on the portable electronic device14 and the point based or segmented contact is placed on the dockingstation 12. Either configuration allows 360 degree flexibility.

In one implementation, at least one set of electrical contacts isspring-loaded outwardly in order to ensure good electrical contact, andthe opposing set of electrical contacts are flush or recessed mounted.For example, the docking station 12 may include spring loaded or flexurebased electrical contacts or tabs that are biased outwardly from thefront surface of the platform 26, and that move inwardly under the forceof the portable electronic device 14 when the portable electronic device14 is placed against the platform 26. The portable electronic device 14,on the other hand, may include electric contacts or tabs that are flushmounted in the surface of the portable electronic device 14. By flush itis meant that the outer surface of the electrical contact issubstantially level with the outer surface of the housing of theportable electronic device 14.

Referring to FIG. 11, the outer concentric outer contact 184 describedabove may be segmented instead of continuous. In this embodiment, thesegmented outer contacts 184A-D are positioned at locations that supportthe orientations of the portable electronic device 14. In theillustrated embodiment, the segmented outer contacts are positioned at0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees such that they support four orientationsincluding two vertical orientations and two horizontal orientations. Theportable electronic device 14 may include a matching set of contacts orsome subset of contacts depending on the various needs of the portableelectronic device 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the portableelectronic device 14 includes a center contact 186 and one outer contact188 similar to the embodiment described in FIG. 10. The center contact186 mates with the center contact 182 of the docking station 12, and theouter contact 188 can optionally mate with any of the outer contacts184A-D of the docking station 12. That is, the single outer contact canbe positioned at any one of the positions 0, 90, 180, 270 ensuring thatthe outer contacts engage one another at each of the variousorientations. The outer contacts 184A-D are redundant, i.e., they areconnected to the same power line (e.g., driving or return).

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams of another style of docking system 200,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the docking station 12 includes a base 202 and a rotationalplatform 204 that are mechanically and operatively coupled together. Thebase 202 is configured to rotationally support the rotational platform204, and the rotational platform 204 is configured to attachably receivea portable electronic device 14, particularly one with a planar backside and one that operates in multiple orientations.

The base 202 includes connectivity to other devices or systems. The base202 may for example include additional data ports, audio ports, videoports, and power ports. The base 202 may also include elements forincreasing the functionality of the portable electronic device 14 whenit is attached to the platform 204. For example, the base 202 mayinclude additional processing capabilities.

The rotational platform 204, on the other hand, includes connectivity tothe portable electronic device 14. By way of example, the platform 204may include a series of contact or non-contact based mechanisms forcommunicating with the portable electronic device 14 when the portableelectronic device 14 is attached to the platform 204. For example, theplatform 204 may include any of the interface mechanisms describedabove. Alternatively, because the portable electronic device 14 is fixedto the platform 204, rotationally symmetric interface mechanisms are notnecessary. As such, the interface mechanisms may also be embodied as aconnector/port arrangement. For example, the portable electronic device14 may include a data and/or power port that interfaces with acorresponding data and/or power connector on the platform 204. Anexample of a connector arrangement that may be used is described in Ser.No. 10/423,490, which is herein incorporated by reference.

The manner in which the rotational platform 204 is rotatable may bewidely varied. By way of example, the rotational platform 204 may berotatably coupled to the base 202 via an axle arrangement 210. Forexample, the platform 204 may include an axle 212 that is rotatablyretained in a collar 214 on the base 202. In one embodiment, theaxle/collar interface includes an arrangement of slip rings in order toroute the electrical signals between the rotational platform 204 and thebase 202. The axle/collar interface may additionally include frictionalelements or detents that are capable of holding the rotational platform204 in various orientations about the rotational axis. For example,frictional elements may be used to allow 360 degree flexibility anddetents may be used to support 0, 90, 180 and 270 degree orientations.

The manner in which the portable electronic device 14 is removablyattached may be widely varied. By way of example, snaps, latches,catches, lips, slots, tabs, locks, etc. may be used. When detached, theportable electronic device 14 can be operated as a remote deviceindependent of the docking station 12. When attached, the portableelectronic device 14 is fixed to the rotational platform 204 andtherefore it becomes an extension of the docking station 12. In order tochange the orientation of the portable electronic device 14, therotational platform 204, which now carries the portable electronicdevice 14, rotates around the rotational axis of the axle arrangement210. That is, the portable electronic device 14 is capable of rotatingwith the rotational platform 204 in order to support the variousorientations of the portable electronic device 14.

In one embodiment, the base 202 serves as a hub for downloading contentonto the portable electronic device 14. For example, the portableelectronic device 14 may correspond to a video player, and the base 202may serve as a location for downloading video such as movies onto thevideo player. The portable electronic device 14 may correspond to anelectronic book, and the base 202 may serve as a location fordownloading book content onto the electronic book. The portableelectronic device 14 may correspond to a music player, and the base 202may serve as a location for downloading songs onto the music player. Theportable electronic device 14 may correspond to a tablet, and the base202 may serve as a location for accessing the internet or connecting toperipheral devices such as printers, fax machines, scanners, and thelike.

In another embodiment, the base 202 is a general purpose computer suchas any of those manufactured by Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino,Calif. In cases such as these the portable electronic device 14 maycorrespond to a monitor, tablet PC or even a device with limitedcomputational abilities, i.e., a device with dedicated functionality.

FIG. 13 is a perspective diagram of another docking system 220, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the docking station 12 includes a base 222 and a multidegree of freedom platform 224. The platform 224 is coupled to an arm226 via multi pivot joint 228 such as a ball and socket joint, and thearm 226 is coupled to the base 222 via a second multi pivot joint 230such as a ball and socket joint. Each of the joints 228 and 230 includesretention features for holding various positions and angles. Generallyspeaking, this arrangement allows the platform 224 to yaw, pitch androll as well as to translate in x, y and z. The user can thereforeadjust the position of the platform 224 to the best position for use. Asshown, the portable electronic device 14 is configured to be attached tothe platform 224, i.e., the portable electronic device plugs into theplatform.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, whichfall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted thatthere are many alternative ways of implementing the methods andapparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

1-49. (canceled)
 50. A docking station configured to mechanically acceptand operatively interface with a portable electronic device having afirst electrical interface, the docking station comprising: a platformhaving a surface for receiving a backside of the portable electronicdevice, the platform including a second electrical interface; a leg thatsupports the platform, wherein the leg is configured to support thedocking station such that the portable electronic device is in anupright position when its backside is being received by the surface ofthe platform, wherein the portable electronic device is capable ofinterfacing with the docking station in multiple orientations relativeto the platform, wherein the orientations include a first orientationand a second orientation, and wherein: the second electrical interfaceis configured for transferring power to the first electrical interfacewhen the portable electronic device is in the first orientation; thesecond electrical interface is further configured for transferring powerto the first electrical interface when the portable electronic device isin the second orientation; and the first orientation and the secondorientation are different relative to the platform.
 51. The dockingsystem as recited in claim 50, wherein the first electrical interfaceincludes a first center contact and a first outer contact, wherein thesecond electrical interface includes a second center contact and atleast one second outer contact, wherein the first center contact isaligned with the second center contact when the portable device is inthe first orientation and in the second orientation.
 52. The dockingsystem as recited in claim 51, wherein the second outer contact forms aconcentric ring around the second center contact, and wherein a distancefrom the second center contact to the concentric ring is equal to adistance from the first center contact to the first outer contact. 53.The docking system as recited in claim 51, wherein the at least onesecond outer contact includes a plurality of segmented outer contacts,each equidistant from the second center contact, and wherein a distancefrom the second center contact to the segmented outer contacts is equalto a distance from the first center contact to the first outer contact.54. The docking system as recited in claim 50, wherein the couplingbetween the first electrical interface and the second electricalinterface is inductive based.
 55. The docking system as recited in claim50, wherein the first and second electrical interfaces are rotationallysymmetric about an axis so as to ensure transfer of power if theportable electronic device is in the first orientation and if theportable electronic device is in the second orientation.
 56. The dockingsystem as recited in claim 50, wherein the first electrical interfaceand the second electrical interface are aligned along an axis andjuxtaposed relative to one another when the portable electronic deviceis respectively supported by the platform in the first orientation andin the second orientation.
 57. The docking system as recited in claim56, further comprising: one or more alignment features for aligning thefirst electrical interface and the second electrical interface along theaxis in the first orientation and along the axis in the secondorientation.
 58. The docking station as recited in claim 57, wherein theone or more alignment features support only one of the first orientationand the second orientation, the first orientation being vertical, thesecond orientation being horizontal.
 59. The docking station as recitedin claim 57, wherein the one or more alignment features support multipleorientations of the first orientation and the second orientation, thefirst orientation being vertical, the second orientation beinghorizontal.
 60. The docking station as recited in claim 57, wherein theone or more alignment features support all angles through 360 degrees.61. The docking station as recited in claim 60, wherein the platformincludes a recess into which a protrusion from the portable electronicdevice fits, and wherein the recess includes the second electricalinterface.
 62. A docking system, comprising: a portable electronicdevice, the portable electronic device including a first electricalinterface; and a docking station configured to mechanically accept andoperatively interface with the portable electronic device, the dockingstation including: a platform having a surface for receiving a backsideof the portable electronic device, the platform including a secondelectrical interface; and a leg that supports the platform, wherein theleg is configured to support the docking station such that the portableelectronic device is in an upright position when its backside is beingreceived by the surface of the platform, wherein the portable electronicdevice is capable of interfacing with the docking station in multipleorientations relative to the platform, wherein the orientations areupright and include a first orientation and a second orientation, andwherein: the second electrical interface is configured for transferringpower to the first electrical interface when the portable electronicdevice is in the first orientation; the second electrical interface isfurther configured for transferring power to the first electricalinterface when the portable electronic device is in the secondorientation; and the first orientation and the second orientation aredifferent relative to the platform.
 63. The docking system as recited inclaim 62 wherein the portable electronic device is a handheld computingdevice.
 64. The docking system as recited in claim 62, wherein the firstand second electrical interfaces are rotationally symmetric about anaxis so as to ensure transfer of power if the portable electronic deviceis in the first orientation and if the portable electronic device is inthe second orientation.
 65. The docking system as recited in claim 62,wherein the first electrical interface and the second electricalinterface are aligned along an axis and juxtaposed relative to oneanother when the portable electronic device is respectively supported bythe platform in the first orientation and in the second orientation. 66.The docking system as recited in claim 62, further comprising: one ormore alignment features for aligning the first electrical interface andthe second electrical interface along the axis in the first orientationand along the axis in the second orientation.
 67. The docking system asrecited in claim 66, wherein the one or more alignment features supportall angles through 360 degrees.
 68. The docking system as recited inclaim 67, wherein the platform includes a recess into which a protrusionfrom the portable electronic device fits, wherein the protrusionincludes the first electrical interface, and wherein the recess includesthe second electrical interface.